Erin Dowling and Jessica Bowen

During the week of SOLs, Hidden Valley High School Beta members Erin Dowling and Jessica Bowen organized a bake sale for the American Heart Association. Beta members volunteered to bring in baked goods to sell throughout the week of testing. Bags were carried around to classrooms where students bought cookies, brownies and other baked goods.

Over the course of four days, $600 was raised. The American Heart Association recognized the success of the students at Hidden Valley by creating a team called the "Titans" for the Heart Walk at Green Hill Park on OcT. 24.

In addition to the American Heart Association fundraiser, Dowling and Bowen also recognized the Salvation Army when they planned a food drive during this past Christmas season. They distributed and collected over 60 bags of food as well as monetary donations. Dowling and Bowen were surprised at the success and generous donations they received and were happy to be able to help the two organizations.

Submitted by Jessica Bowen

County schools annual report now available

The 2008-9 Roanoke County Public Schools Annual Report is now available on the school system's Web site at www.rcs.k12.va.us. The 16-page document reports on the performance of Roanoke County Public Schools for the 2008-2009 school year.

Submitted by Chuck Lionberger, Roanoke County Public Schools

Be a part of Bandfest 2009

Hey all you musicians and music lovers! BandFest 2009 is looking for bands to audition for the upcoming first annual Bandfest to be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Northside High School Football Stadium (Rain location NMS Auditorium/Gym).

The plan is to have ten bands, two from each high school to compete for the winning title and other prizes. One semi-famous or, quite possibly, really famous headliner band will perform at the end. That band is TBA.

Two stages will be set up on the track with audience seated in stadium.

Prevention messages will be delivered between each band set with live messages and video tapes.

After Prom type games and activities will be set up on a field close to the football field. (In case of rain, these will be set in the gym. Music will be in the auditorium.)

Currently this event is hosted by Roanoke County Public Schools and the Student Advisory Council.

Visit The Notebook on swo-co.com for guidelines for a band interested in auditioning or if you are a business looking to sponsor this event.